Method and apparatus for transferring drive

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a drive-transferring apparatus having a constraining guide ( 10 ) carrying a plurality of drive-transferring members ( 11 ) interconnected compressively. Drive members ( 13 ) drive the drive-transferring members ( 11 ) about the constraining guide ( 10 ). One or more elongate apertures such as slots ( 13 ) permit access to the drive-transferring members for connection of further members thereto; and for reading, of data carried by the drive-transferring members ( 11 ) or by members connected thereto.

[0001] This invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferringdrive.

[0002] For many years it has been known to transfer drive by means ofdirect, permanent mechanical interconnections. An example of such aninterconnection occurs when the output shaft of a motor is coupleddirectly to the member that the motor is intended to drive.

[0003] However, in many branches of industry it is commonly required totransfer objects over comparatively large distances and to apply driveat locations remote from eg a motor. It therefore is well known toemploy drive-transferring apparatuses such as belts, chains and geartrains in order to achieve these aims.

[0004] However, all known drive-transferring technologies are associatedwith significant disadvantages.

[0005] For example, drive belts and drive chains rely on the impartingof tensile forces in order to transfer drive. In drive belts, the use ofsuch forces causes gradual stretching of the belts. Similar effects areobserved in drive chains over time.

[0006] Prolonged use of belts and chains leads to failure, as a resultof friction and wear in the belt/chain members. Failure of a drive beltusually necessitates replacement of the entire belt; or at best a repairthat significantly reduces the performance of the belt. Some belt andchain failures are dangerous, especially when fragments of such membersare thrown from an apparatus at speed.

[0007] It is possible to replace individual links of a drive chain, butthis is often a time-consuming process. Hitherto it has not beenpossible to automate the repair of a broken link in a drive chain.

[0008] Gear trains do not suffer from the same disadvantages as beltsand chains; however, they are sill prone to wear; they are expensive tomanufacture; and they generally require permanent installationsincluding bearings secured to fixed datum points. Also, gear trainsgenerally employ only rigid members and hence they lack some of theversatility inuring to belts and chains, that employ flexible members.

[0009] According to the invention in a broad aspect there is provided adrive-transferring apparatus comprising a constraining guide defining adrive-transfer path; and a plurality of drive-transferring membersmovably captive in the constraining guide; wherein

[0010] (i) the constraining guide includes one or more aperturespermitting access to one or more of the drive-transferring members; and

[0011] (ii) the drive-transferring members are capable of transferringdrive between discrete parts of the constraining guide by means ofcompressive interconnections.

[0012] This apparatus overcomes at least some of the disadvantages ofthe prior art.

[0013] In particular, the transferring of drive by compressiveinterconnection means that tensile failure of components of theapparatus is most unlikely to occur. Furthermore, the use of compressiveinterconnection means that the drive-transferring members need not bepermanently connected together. This in turn means that individualdrive-transferring members can readily be repaired or replaced in theapparatus, thereby obviating the difficulties associated with repair ofdrive belts and drive chains.

[0014] The failure modes of apparatuses according to the invention aresafer than in the prior art. This is partly because the constrainingguide can be designed substantially to enclose all the moveable parts ofthe device. Thus, component failure may be contained safely within theconstraining guide, even when the apparatus is operating at high speed.

[0015] Additionally, the use of compressive interconnection means thatparts of the apparatus are less likely to be thrown outwardly of theapparatus during failure.

[0016] The use of compressive interconnection also means that thedrive-transferring elements can be made of materials and shapesinherently resistant to wear and damage yet which also are associatedwith low frictional forces, thereby improving the efficiency of theapparatus. Particularly suitable shapes for the drive-transferringmembers are spherical and spheroidal shapes.

[0017] All the components of the apparatus of the invention may ifdesired be manufactured from rigid materials. Thus, it is possible toproduce a drive-transferring apparatus that is versatile in terms of thelocations between which drive may be transferred; yet which does notsuffer from the known disadvantages of flexible drive-transferringmembers such as belts and chains.

[0018] Another possibility is for e.g. the constraining guide to beflexible. This confers versatility on the apparatus of the invention.One preferred form of flexible constraining guide is a hose-likeconstruction that may be formed into a variety of shapes whilepermitting movement of the drive-transferring members in the mannerdefined above.

[0019] Further, advantageous features of the invention are set out inclaims 2-91 appended hereto.

[0020] In another broad aspect, the invention is considered to reside ina method of transferring drive comprising imparting motion to one ormore of a plurality of drive-transferring members loosely captive in aconstraining guide, whereby to cause compressive interconnection of aplurality of said members and thereby transfer drive in the constrainingguide.

[0021] There now follows a description of preferred embodiments of theinvention, by way of example, with reference being made to theaccompanying drawings in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of theinvention;

[0023]FIG. 2 shows an optional branch in the constraining guide visiblein FIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 3 shows part of the FIG. 1 embodiment in more detail;

[0025]FIG. 4 is a variant on the FIG. 3 arrangement;

[0026]FIG. 5 shows one form of multiple branching of the constrainingguide visible in eg. FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 6 shows an arrangement for lubricating part of the FIG. 1embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a variant on the FIG. 6 arrangement;

[0029]FIG. 8 shows some further optional features of the invention;

[0030]FIG. 9 shows the apparatus of the invention configured for garmentdistribution;

[0031]FIG. 10a-10 f show various embodiments of the constraining guide;

[0032]FIG. 11 shows an apparatus for controlling drive-transferringmembers at a junction;

[0033]FIGS. 12a and 12 b show an alternative form of the constrainingguide;

[0034]FIG. 13 shows a three-dimensional array of constraining guidesinstalled in a warehouse;

[0035]FIGS. 14a, 14 b, 14 c and 14 d show arrays of constraining guidesin vehicles;

[0036]FIGS. 15a and 15 b show a possible reservoir of drive-transferringmembers;

[0037]FIGS. 16 and 17 show flat bed conveyors embodying the principlesof the invention;

[0038]FIGS. 18 and 19 show typical layouts of conveyors according to theinvention;

[0039]FIGS. 20a and 20 b shows a further vehicle including a threedimensional array of constraining guides;

[0040]FIGS. 21a and 21 b show a motor according to the invention;

[0041]FIG. 22 shows an optional feature of the constraining guide;

[0042]FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of drive-transferring member; and

[0043]FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of drive-transferring member.

[0044] Referring to the drawings there is shown a constraining guide 10in the form of tubular member. The tubular member 10 has a hollow,elongate interior substantially filled with a line of contiguousbead-like drive-transferring members 11. A driven member shownschematically at 13 protrudes through the wall of constraining guide 10and imparts drive to successive drive-transferring members 11. Thiscauses drive to be transferred along the constraining guide 10 in acompressive manner.

[0045] Driven member 13 protrudes through an aperture in the wall ofconstraining guide 10. A similar aperture may be provided at a locationremote from driven members 13, whereby drive may be taken from theapparatus if desired. Apertures may be formed in the wall ofconstraining guide 10 at virtually any desired location. The aperturesmay, if desired, be closable eg by means of automatic or manuallyoperated closures. One form of closure is described below in relation toa drive-transferring member ejection apparatus.

[0046] The driven member 13 may be a star wheel as shown schematicallyin FIG. 1, or may be a drive screw. Numerous other, equivalentarrangements may also be employed for imparting linear motion to thedrive-transferring members 11. Nonetheless, a driven member 13 thatconverts rotary motion (eg from an electric motor) to linear motion ispreferred.

[0047] As is evident in FIGS. 3 and 4, constraining guide 10 may includean elongate slot 13. This permits access to one or more of thedrive-transferring members 11 along a lengthy portion of theconstraining guide 10. This in turn permits one or more further membersto be engaged with the line of contiguous members 11, thereby givingrise to a transport apparatus.

[0048] In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the constraining guide 10 is generallyrectangular in cross-section, with the elongate slot 13 formed in one ofthe vertical sides of the guide 10. This permits a member such as rod 14connected to a member 11 to protrude generally horizontally from theapparatus. This in turn permits articles to be carried on the apparatusby means of suspension from rod 14.

[0049] If desired, a second constraining guide 10 that is the mirrorimage of constraining guide 10 shown in FIG. 3 may be disposed toprovide support at each end of rod 14. It is believed to be desirable,but not essential, for the mirror image constraining guide 10 to containa plurality of members such as the drive-transferring members 11.However, such members need not necessarily be driven as in theembodiment of FIG. 1, and could under some circumstances be dispensedwith entirely so that the further constraining guide serves simply as asupport for the otherwise free end of rod 14.

[0050] In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the elongate slot 13 extends along thebottom of a generally circular cross-section constraining guide 10. Thispermits the carrying of a plurality of hangers 16. This version of theinvention may be of utility in the garment manufacturing and/orwarehousing industries.

[0051] As is evident from FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the drive-transferringmembers are spheroidal in shape. Thus, they are well suited fortransferring drive by means of compressive interaction. Furthermore, themembers 11 roll easily within the guide 10, thereby minimising wear andfriction.

[0052] However, the members 11 may be of numerous other shapes includingcompletely spherical; cylindrical and even polygonal.

[0053] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 a plurality or indeed allof the members 11 include an aperture and a detent for securing to afurther member such as rod 14 or hanger 16.

[0054]FIGS. 2 and 5 show that the constraining guide 10 may be branchedin a number of ways, whereby to transfer drive to several locationssimultaneously. If necessary, the branch lines of the constraining guide10 may include further driven members such as member 13 a shownschematically in FIG. 1. The further driven members may, in common withthe driven member 13, take a variety of forms according to thearrangement of the apparatus.

[0055]FIG. 1 shows a further branch 17 in the guide 10, for replenishingthe guide 10 with members 11. Branch 17 may be constituted as aspring-loaded store of members 11 separated in normal use of theapparatus from the remainder of guide 10 by a moveable wall shownschematically at 18 in FIG. 1. If it is necessary to increase the numberof members 11 within the guide 10, the wall 18 may be removed either byan automatic mechanism or manually in order to allow one or moreadditional members 11 to be dispensed from branch 17 into the main partof guide 10.

[0056]FIG. 1 also shows a closable aperture 19 that may be employed forselectively removing members 11 from the main part of guide 10. This maybe required, for example when a member 11 a becomes damaged or broken.

[0057] In the embodiments shown, aperture 19 includes a slidable cover20 that may be withdrawn to one side to allow the damaged member 11 a tofall into a receptacle 22 secured to the underside of constraining guide10.

[0058] Instead of a receptacle, the damaged member 11 a may enter aconveyor for removing it to a waste receptacle or repair area.

[0059]FIG. 6 shows an optional portion of guide 10 formed as adownwardly extending curve 10 a. This portion of the constraining guide10 contains a pool of lubricant 23. Thus, drive-transferring members 11passing through the portion of guide 10 shown in FIG. 6 automaticallyreceive a coating of lubricant.

[0060] Curved portion 10 a need not be present if the materials chosenfor the components do not require lubrication by immersion in a liquid.For example, the materials of the mutually engaging parts of thedrive-transferring members and the constraining guide may be chosen tohave a low coefficient of friction. Another possibility is for thedrive-transferring members, and/or the relevant parts of theconstraining guide to be impregnated, coated or otherwise treated with alubricant.

[0061] Downwardly directed curves 10 a may be located at appropriatepoints along the guide 10 in order to provide lubrication for themembers 11 throughout the apparatus. If desired, the portion 10 a may beautomatically or manually refillable with lubricant, eg by means ofsuitable apertures.

[0062] The drive members 11 may be manufactured from any of a variety ofmaterials. However, it is envisaged that a generally rigid copolymerwould be most appropriate in terms of cost and durability. The materialof the drive members 11 can be chosen to have a low coefficient offriction with the constraining guide 10.

[0063] The guide 10 may typically extruded eg from aluminium or analuminium alloy; however, a number of other materials, includingflexible materials, may also be used.

[0064] The sliding cover 20 shown in relation to aperture 19 (which mayalso be employed on other apertures in the apparatus) may be motorisedeg by means of a solenoid actuator itself operated under the control ofan optical or other sensor.

[0065] The constraining guide 10 is shown in the drawings to be anopen-ended elongate device. However, it is most likely that in practicalembodiments of the invention the constraining guide 10 would constitutea closed loop whereby to avoid the need for constant replenishment ofthe members 11. However, in applications where the drive to thetransferred is reciprocatory, it may be desirably economical to employan open-ended constraining guide 10 as shown.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the constraining guide 10 may be shaped in avariety of ways to accommodate obstacles, etc. in a warehouse orfactory.

[0067] The constraining guide 10 may be supported at intervals, eg. bysuspenders 24 extending downwardly from the ceiling of a building.

[0068] The lubricating trough or pool 23 of FIG. 6 is also visible inFIG. 7. There is, in addition, ;a bypass path for the constraining guide10 so that the drive-transferring members 11 need only enter thelubricating trough 23 as necessary. Controlling gates (examples of whichare described hereinbelow) may be employed selectively to divert thedrive-transferring members through the lubricating trough 23 as desired.

[0069]FIG. 8 shows some further ways in which the constraining guide 10may be formed. As shown at 25 a and 25 b, the constraining guide may beformed into coils for encircling a further component eg. a sensor fordetecting the presence of the drive-transferring members 11.

[0070] The drive member 13 a is shown schematically protruding throughthe wall of constraining guide 10 in FIG. 8.

[0071]FIG. 8 also shows a branch 27 in the constraining guide, includedfor the purpose of replenishing the constraining guide 10 withdrive-transferring members 11 as necessary.

[0072] Gate members 28 protruding through the wall of constraining guide10 in the vicinity of junction 27 are laterally slideable selectively toopen and close the junction 27 and thereby allow one or more freshdrive-transferring members 11 to fall into the constraining guide 10.

[0073] Similar gate members may be installed at a further junction 29for the purpose of selectively removing drive-transferring members 11from constraining guide 10.

[0074] A detector of fractures or other failures in thedrive-transferring members 11 may be operative at point F in FIG. 8 tocause opening of the junction 29 and ejection of drive-transferringmembers when faults in the drive-transferring members 11 are detected.

[0075] Gate members 28 moveable for selective interposing in the pathsof the drive-transferring member 11 may also be supplied at branchessuch as 30. Computer control of the gate members permits guiding of thedrive-transferring members along a selected branch of constraining guide10.

[0076]FIG. 9 shows a specific example of this form of the invention, ina garment distribution warehouse. A plurality of garment hangers 32 aresecured to the drive-transferring members 11 via the elongate slot 13. Ajunction such as 27 of FIG. 8 allows replenishment of drive-transferringmembers as necessary. A further junction such as 30 allows diverting ofthe garments to a predetermined destination.

[0077] If desired, the drive-transferring members may be encoded asdescribed in detail below in order to predetermine their path along theconstraining guide 10.

[0078] In the FIG. 10, various forms of the constraining guide 10 anddrive-transferring member 11 are shown.

[0079] In FIG. 10a, constraining guide 10 is an elongate, hollow, squaresection member having an elongate slot in its lower face.

[0080] In FIG. 10b, constraining guide 10 comprises an inner, elongate,hollow tubular member 33 surrounded by an outer such member 34. Elongateslot 13 passes through both tubular members 33 and 34. Thus it ispossible to employ drive-transferring members as shown having one ormore downwardly projecting portions 35.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, the inner tubular member 33 has alow coefficient of friction with the parts of the drive-transferringmembers 11 with which it is in contact. Outer tubular member 34 ispreferably of a rigid material, and as shown in FIG. 10c may be armouredor otherwise strengthened.

[0082] The drive-transferring members 11 may in this embodiment comprisea pair of rollers 37 spaced from one another and mounted on a commonaxle 38. A central member 39 of approximately rectangular shape occupiesthe space between the rollers 37. Axle 38 passes through an aperture incentral member 39.

[0083] Downwardly projecting member 35 is releasably secured to aportion of central member 39 extending a short distance beyond slot 13.

[0084] Downwardly projecting member 35 includes an aperture forreceiving eg. the hook of a garment hanger 32. Downwardly projectingmember 35 is encoded eg. by means of a bar code 40, by implanting of aradio frequency identification tag or in another optical, audible orotherwise transmissible manner.

[0085] This embodiment of the invention is of particular use duringproduct manufacture and distribution. On manufacture of a garment, it ishung on a hanger 32 the hook of which is inserted into the aperture of amember 35. This member 35 may then remain uniquely associated with theproduct on hanger 32 during its transport via an apparatus according tothe invention to eg. the interior of a lorry, for subsequentdistribution to a warehouse or retail unit.

[0086] During this process the bar code or other code 40 may be readperiodically to ensure correct routing of the drive-transferring memberto which the downwardly projecting member 35 is secured. Such routingmay be achieved through operation of the gate members 28 describedhereinabove in the apparatus of the invention.

[0087] When the garment reaches a final or intermediate destination, thedownwardly projecting member 35 may be removed from thedrive-transferring member. In the embodiment shown this is achievedthrough use of a slidable dovetail joint, but other methods ofreleasably securing the downwardly projecting member may also beemployed.

[0088] After removal of the downwardly projecting member 35, thedrive-transferring member 11 to which it was formerly attached may berecycled within the constraining guide for receipt of another downwardlyprojecting member 35; alternatively the drive-transferring member 11 maybe passed to a reservoir before subsequent use.

[0089]FIGS. 10e and 10 f show alternative profiles for the constrainingguide 10.

[0090]FIG. 10f also shows a ball and socket joint 35 a for connection ofthe downwardly projecting member 35. Such a joint permits rotation abouta vertical axis. This may be of benefit in some manufacturing anddistributing environments.

[0091] In the FIG. 10b embodiment, each drive-transferring member 11includes a radio frequency identification tag 42 that remains secured tothe drive-transferring member 11 after removal of the bar codeddownwardly projecting member 35 as shown. Such an arrangement permitscontrolled recycling of the drive-transferring members 11.

[0092]FIG. 11 shows an alternative form of the gate members 28controlling the flow of drive-transferring members in the constrainingguide.

[0093] In this arrangement the gate 28 comprises a blade 43 slidablymounted via an elongate slot 44 on a pillar 45 itself rigidly securedrelative to the constraining guide 10.

[0094] A connection member 46 interconnects blade 43 and slot 44.

[0095] A bar code reader 47 is mounted forwardly of pillar 45 forreading bar codes associated with the drive-transferring members 11. Inthis case, the drive-transferring members are all spherical and have therelevant bar codes printed on their bodies.

[0096] The spherical members may be weighted to ensure that the barcodes are correctly oriented.

[0097] The blade 43 may be interposed under the action of eg. a solenoidor other motive device when the bar code reader determines that thebranch 10 of FIG. 11 is to be closed, and that the drive-transferringmembers are to travel under the influence of a driven member 13 alongthe branch 10 b.

[0098] The bar code reader 47 may of course be linked to a suitablecontrol device such as a microprocessor.

[0099] In FIGS. 12a and 12 b, there is shown an alternative form of theconstraining guide. This constraining guide comprises (in the embodimentshown) four rod-like members 50 that extend parallel to one another in asquare pattern, to define a comparatively open cage for constraining thedrive-transferring members 11 that are again in this embodimentspherical.

[0100] In this embodiment the drive-transferring members mayrespectively be secured to a load support 51 that engages the associateddrive-transferring member via the space between two adjacent rod-likemembers 50. In such an embodiment, the suspender 24 for the constrainingguide 10 may encircle the rod-like members 50 as shown and may includeone or more apertures 24 a, 24 b permitting passage therethrough of thesupport member 51 and any goods 52 supported thereby.

[0101] An alternative, downwardly projecting support member 5la is alsoshown in FIGS. 12a and 12 b. Aperture 24 b in suspender 24 accommodatestravel of such a member.

[0102] In FIG. 13, there is shown a three dimensional array ofconstraining guides 10, installed within a warehouse 54.

[0103] Portions 10 ₁, 10 ₂, 10 ₃, 10 ₄, etc of the constraining guide 10are open ended on one side of the three dimensional array ofconstraining guides, for receipt of eg. garments or other goodstransported by the apparatus of the invention. Such goods may bedelivered eg. by lorry or other vehicle from a factory or anotherdistribution centre.

[0104] The goods transported on the apparatus fed into the array via theopen ended portions may be transported to any suitable storage pointwithin the three dimensional array as indicated schematically. Ifdesired, spiral portions 10″ of the constraining guide may be employedto raise or lower goods as desired. The use of such spiral portionsbrings the goods into contact with a plurality of further parts of thearray.

[0105] Crossings of portions of the constraining guide 10 may includejunctions such as 27, 29 or 30 previously described, in order to providefor routing of individual goods to any preferred location within thearray in dependence on the encoding of such goods.

[0106] Further, open-ended portions of the constraining guide 10′₁, etcmay be provided in a dispatch area preferably located on the oppositeside of the three dimensional array. The goods to be dispatched may betransported into vehicles such as those shown in FIG. 13 for onwarddispatch to further distribution centres, retail units or otherlocations.

[0107] A computer control system may be employed to ensure routing ofthe goods within the three dimensional array, according to encoding ofeither the drive-transferring members 11 or members attached thereto.This will allow significant reductions in staffing levels at warehouses.

[0108] Referring now to FIG. 14a, a vehicle 55 such as that shown inFIG. 13 is shown in greater detail.

[0109] Vehicle 55 includes formed therein a further three dimensionalarray of the constraining guides 10. In the embodiment shown, theconstraining guides permit vertical movement of intermediate, connectingbars 56 and horizontal movement of such bars along the interior of thevehicle, as desired.

[0110] Two portions 110 a and 110 b are hingeably secured to the threedimensional array formed within the lorry. The hingeable portions 110 aand 110 b may be hinged outwardly from an initial, flush position toprotrude from the rear of the vehicle for engagement with the outer,open ended portions 10′₁, 10′₂, 10′₃, 10′₄of the three dimensional arrayin the warehousing building 54.

[0111] If desired, the hingeable portions 110 a, 110 b may be secured toor formed within the rear doors of the vehicle.

[0112] Alternatively the portions 110 a, 110 b may be slideable into andout of the vehicle. In such cases the portions 110 a, 110 b retain theorientation shown throughout their movements.

[0113] The free ends of the portions 10′₁, 10′₂, etc include gatemembers 57 that in the embodiment shown are simple pins inserted throughaligned holes formed in opposite sides of the constraining guide 10, toprevent the drive-transferring members 11 from falling out of theapertures at the ends of the constraining guide portions 10′₁, 10′₂,etc.

[0114] If desired, flexible portions may be included in such parts ofthe constraining guide to ensure mating of the hingeable portions 110 a,110 b with the corresponding junctions defined at the free ends of theconstraining guide.

[0115] The hingeable portion and/or the free ends 10′₁, 10′₂, etc. mayif necessary include clips or other means of securing them to theportions of constraining guide that abut them on manoeuvring of thevehicle 55 to a loading or unloading position.

[0116] Although the arrangement shown in FIG. 14a concerns loading ofgoods onto a vehicle, it will be appreciated that a similar arrangementmay be employed for unloading of the vehicle when it reaches itsdestination.

[0117] The vehicle 55 may include a microprocessor or other controllerdevice for routing the garments, eg. as supported on the bars 56, withinthe vehicle in dependence on encoding of the drive-transferring members11 or further members secured thereto.

[0118] Such an arrangement may permit organisation of goods within thevehicle as it travels, thereby speeding unloading of goods at thevehicle's destination.

[0119] An alternative array of constraining guides in a vehicle 54 isshown in FIG. 14b.

[0120] In this arrangement the deck of the vehicle contains a grid-likearray of interconnected constraining guides 10, the interconnectionsincluding junctions as necessary such as junctions 27, 29 and 30 of FIG.8.

[0121]FIG. 14d shows the floor plan of the vehicle, that optionallyincludes side doors that permit rapid unloading of the vehicle. The sidedoors minimise the movement of goods needed within the vehicle toachieve speedy unloading.

[0122] This arrangement is intended to support a pallet such as pallet58 of FIG. 14c.

[0123] Pallet 58 includes a plurality of selectively downwardly moveablemembers 59 for engagement with selected drive-transferring members 11 inthe array of constraining guide 10.

[0124] Depending on encoding of either the pallet or thedrive-transferring members, the pallet may drivingly engagepredetermined drive-transferring member 11 in order to move the palletwithin the vehicle.

[0125] If desired, one or more grid squares of the array shown in FIG.14b may be left blank to provide room for manoeuvring the pallets withinthe vehicle.

[0126] Alternatively, a grid extension 60 (optionally supported on leg61) of constraining guide members 10 may project from eg. the rear ofthe vehicle to provide such space for manoeuvring.

[0127]FIG. 14b also shows an equivalent array of constraining guides10′″ at an upper level within the body of the vehicle 54, formanoeuvring pallets 58 in a second tier within the vehicle.

[0128] If desired, the entire array of upper constraining guide 10′″ canbe height-adjustable on eg. suitable hoist motors within the vehicle 54.

[0129] The computer control may if desired be operable on the upper tierof drive-transferring members as well.

[0130] Furthermore, suitable extensions 60″ may be provided to permitmanoeuvring of the pallets 58 on the upper tier.

[0131] As in the embodiment of FIG. 14a, the constraining guides 10 ofFIGS. 14b and 14 c may if desired be connectable to eg. the free ends10′₁,10′₂, 10′₃as shown in FIG. 14a.

[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 15a and 15 b, there is shown a reservoir63 of encoded drive-transferring members 11 for use in a warehouse,factory or vehicle based environment such as those of FIGS. 13 to 14.

[0133] As is shown in detail in FIG. 15b, the reservoir 63 is subdividedinto a plurality of compartments. Each compartment contains a pluralityof drive-transferring members 11 encoded in a predetermined way, eg. toindicate to a control device controlling operation of the apparatus ofthe invention the destination of goods to be carried by the apparatus.This is shown schematically in FIG. 15a.

[0134] A plurality of gate members such as gate members 28 as describedhereinabove, may selectively control the feeding of drive-transferringmembers into the constraining guide 10. This may be achieved eg. independence on intervention by the operator of a garment manufacturing orfinishing machine may on completion of each garment indicate the kind ofdrive-transferring member 11 (in terms of its encoding) to be added tothe constraining guide 10, prior to attachment of the garment hanger 32for the most recently completed garment thereto. In this way, withinseconds of their manufacture or finishing the garments are associatedwith drive-transferring members of the apparatus of the invention thatare encoded as to their destinations. Such encoding may be carried withthe garments throughout their journeys to final destinations, suchjourneys possibly embracing travel through warehouse-based systems asshown in FIG. 13 and in vehicles such as those of FIG. 14.

[0135] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a flatbed conveyorpowered by a pair of constraining guides 10 according to the invention.

[0136] Flatbed conveyor 63 includes a plurality of horizontal slats orplates 64 secured one adjacent another on a pair of parallel, mutuallyspaced constraining guides 10 according to the invention.

[0137] Each of the slats or plates 64 is slidingly engaged on itsunderside with one or more of the drive-transferring members 11 of oneor both the constraining guides 10 shown in FIG. 16.

[0138] The slats or plates 64 may be linked together eg. by means ofsliding links, or may be mutually disconnected from one another.

[0139] The key advantage of using constraining guides according to theinvention in the FIG. 16 embodiment is that the constraining guides maybe driven at different speeds from one another when it is required todrive the flatbed conveyor 63 around a bend as shown.

[0140] A branch 10 a of the constraining guide stands at the infeed tothe bend negotiated by the outer constraining guide. Constraining guidebranch 10 a feeds additional drive-transferring members 11 into theconstraining guide, in order to permit faster travel of the outer partof the flatbed conveyor in the vicinity of the bend. At the terminationof the bend, a further branch 10 b of the constraining guide 10 mayremove the excess constraining guides in order to permit the twoconstraining guides 10 to follow a straight line path at the same speed.

[0141] For the avoidance of doubt, in the FIG. 16 embodiment, theflatbed conveyor 63 travels in the direction of the arrows C.

[0142] Suitable gates such as gate members 28 may be employed at thejunctions between the branch portions 10 a and 10 b and the mainconstraining guide forming the outer part of the curve.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 17, the slats or plates 64 may be constructed intwo portions 64 a, 64 b. One of the two portions 64 a may be hollow forreceiving the free end of the other portion 64 b of the slat 64. Aresilient connection indicated schematically by spring 65 may permitresilient compression and/or extension of the elongate length of eachslat or plate 64. This allows the slats or plates to accommodate changesin the spacing between the two constraining guides 10 visible in FIG.17.

[0144] Thus the apparatus of the invention permits construction firstlyof a conveyor that is able to negotiate bends through use of variablespeed drives as shown in FIG. 16; and secondly of a conveyor the widthof which may vary in dependence on the spacing between the pair ofconstraining guides 10.

[0145] Hitherto it has not been possible to devise a powered conveyorthe width of which varies at different points about its travel.

[0146]FIG. 18 shows in plan view a typical conveyor layout for use eg.in a packing area or product finishing area of a factory or warehouse.

[0147] The constraining guides 10 are shown schematically, as are thebranches 10 a and 10 b of FIG. 16. The slats or plates 64 of theconveyor are omitted from FIG. 18 for clarity.

[0148] A further layout of constraining guide members 10 is shown inFIG. 19. In this figure there is a main constraining guide loop 10driven by a main drive member 13 driven by a motor (not visible in FIG.19).

[0149] A branch loop 10 c may selectively divert drive-transferringmembers 11 from the main loop 10 and may pass through eg. a protectivewall 66 into a hazardous area, a clean room, or other processing area 67to which human access is normally denied.

[0150] In the embodiment shown, there is a single constraining guide (ascompared with the parallel pair of constraining guides of eg. FIG. 18),that in the processing area 67 passes about the periphery of a rotatabletable or dais 68. Contact of the drive-transferring members of thebranch loop constraining guide 10 c with a suitable surface formed inthe periphery of the rotatable dais 68 may cause driven rotationthereof. If necessary, a further driven member represented schematicallyat 13 c may be provided to power the drive-transferring members aroundthe branch loop 10 c to achieve this.

[0151] The drive-transferring members 11 may transfer their drive inother ways as desired within the processing area 67.

[0152] Referring now to FIG. 20a, there is shown a vehicle comprising aframework 70 constituted predominantly of constraining guides 10 ofapparatus according to the invention.

[0153] The constraining guides 10 of the framework 70 are in theembodiment shown each formed as parallel, mutually spaced polygonalshapes rigidly interconnected by struts 71 disposed at intervals aboutthe periphery of the polygonal shape visible in FIG. 20a.

[0154] Each constraining guide 10 includes a junction 72 that may besimilar to those eg. on the hingeable portions of the constrainingguides of FIG. 14, for connection with further constraining guideportions 10 conveying goods from eg. a factory or warehouse.

[0155] In the embodiment shown, such constraining guides extend inparallel, and pairs of drive-transferring members 11 in the respectiveparallel constraining guides are interconnected by rigid rods 72 thateach have suspended therefrom a goods tray 73.

[0156] It will be apparent that by connecting the constraining guides 10constituting the bulk of frame 70 of the vehicle of FIG. 20a, the goodstrays 73 may be conveyed onto the vehicle for rotation either by meansof a motor or by hand about the periphery of frame 70. This permits eg.a worker shown schematically at 74 to fill or empty the trays asdesired.

[0157]FIG. 20b shows one way in which the rods 72 may be received in thedrive-transferring members 11. In FIG. 20b the elongate slot 13 of theconstraining guide 10 faces horizontally to receive the horizontallyextending rod 72. If necessary, a detent may be employed to retain theend of the rod 72 in an aperture formed in the drive-transferring member11 that in the embodiment shown is formed as spherical element.

[0158] In the FIG. 20b embodiment, the portion of the rod 72interconnecting the two drive-transferring members is dispensed with.Interconnection of the drive-transferring members 11 is achieved throughrigidity of the tray 73.

[0159]FIG. 20a also shows a cap 76 that may be used to close the freeend of the constraining guides 10 when the vehicle is moved away fromthe position shown. The vehicle includes wheels for this purpose.

[0160]FIGS. 21a and 21 b show the apparatus of the invention configuredas a motor 80.

[0161] In this embodiment, a plurality of the constraining guides 10extend parallel to one another and are each looped about respective,spaced rollers 81, 82.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 21b, in this embodiment slot 13 is omitted fromconstraining guide 10. Instead, the wall of constraining guide 10 ismanufactured from an open mesh-like material that permits contactbetween the drive-transferring members 11 and further members exposedoutside the constraining guide 10.

[0163] It will thus be appreciated that if roller 81 is driven eg. bymeans of electric motor 83, the rotation of roller 81 is transferred tolinear motion of the drive-transferring members 11. Since thedrive-transferring members travel from roller 81 to roller 82, as theypass over roller 82 their drive is transferred to roller 82 that isthereby caused to rotate.

[0164] A series of brake members 84 may be selectively brought intocontact with the constraining guides 10 shown in FIG. 21b. The lowermostbrake member 84 e may be arranged to contact only the extreme left handconstraining guide visible in FIG. 21b; the next uppermost may bearranged only to contact the constraining guide immediately to the rightthereof, and so on, whereby on lowering the brake members downwardly inthe direction of arrow B in FIG. 21 the constraining guides may besuccessively slowed or brought to a stop. This in turn reduces theenergy transferred to roller 82 in a progressive manner, thereby slowingor stopping it as desired.

[0165] The brake members 84 a may be mounted on a lever or may beactuated by means of eg. a solenoid or other motor, if necessary independence on control signals generated in eg. a microprocessor or othercontroller.

[0166] Each brake member may include a brake pad 86 (best shown in FIG.21b) offset laterally from the brake pad in a neighbouring brake memberwhereby to dedicate a given brake member 84 to the slowing or stoppingof the drive-transferring members in a predetermined constraining guide10.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 21b, the drive-transferring members 11preferably have a rigid central zone surrounded by a deformable outercoating.

[0168] The mesh-like outer covering of the constraining guides 10 shownin FIG. 21 may for example be supplied for safety purposes over the rods50 of FIG. 12, thereby preventing articles from becoming entrained ortrapped in the constraining guide thereof. In such an arrangement, themesh may be of a closer weave whereby to prevent access of eg. humandigits to the drive-transferring members 11.

[0169] Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown a window 88 formed in aportion of a constraining guide 10 according to the invention. Window88, which may be covered eg. by a perspex material, permits reading ofoptical encoding information that is carried directly on thedrive-transferring member 11 visible in FIG. 22. Such encodinginformation (which may be in the form of bar codes or other opticalcodes) may be printed directly onto the drive-transferring member, ormay be carried by eg. a sticker secured to the drive-transferringmember.

[0170] The window 88 may also permit eg. the reading of a radiofrequency identification tag secured to the drive-transferring member10.

[0171] The readers for the bar codes and/or radio frequency or otheridentification tags, may if desired be enclosed within coils 25 of theconstraining guide 10 as shown in FIG. 8. Thus the code readingapparatus may be protected against damage and contamination, and thewindows 88 may also be protected against damage. When the windows 88 donot include a cover such as a sheet of perspex or glass, theirpositioning on the inner face of a coil such as coils 25 or 25 aprevents inadvertent contact of other objects with thedrive-transferring members 11. Thus the safety of the apparatus isassured.

[0172]FIG. 23 shows an alternative design of the drive-transferringmember 11 shown eg. in FIG. 10. In this embodiment the rollers 37 have aroughed or serrated outer periphery, for gripping the interior of theconstraining guide 10.

[0173]FIG. 23 also shows one possible location for the radio frequencyidentification tag 42. As shown, the tag is located in the hub of theaxle 38.

[0174] In FIG. 24, there is shown an arrangement by which the bars 46 ofthe FIG. 14a arrangement may be supported relative to thedrive-transferring members 11. As shown, each drive-transferring member11 has projecting outwardly therefrom a cup 89 that protrudes beyond theslot 13 of constraining guide 10 in a horizontal direction. Each bar 56has a reduced diameter portion 56 a at either end that is receivableunder the action of gravity in the cup 89, whereby to support the bar 56at either end. When the drive-transferring members 11 are computercontrolled, it is possible to maintain the bars 56 horizontal throughouttheir travel.

[0175] Any of the optional embodiments described herein in relation toFIGS. 1 to 24 may be employed on their own, or in conjunction withothers of the optional embodiments as desired.

[0176] The components of the invention may be manufactured from avariety of materials, as appropriate. For example, the components may bemanufactured from materials suitable for use in different industriessuch as the food industry, chemical processing industry and thepharmaceutical industry. Corrosion free (eg. non-metallic) materials maybe employed as appropriate.

[0177] The constraining guides 10 may be manufactured from flexiblematerials or rigid material as desired.

[0178] Self-lubricating materials may also be used as appropriate. Forexample, sintered materials that dispense lubricants as they wear may beemployed for the interior of the constraining guide 10 and, optionally,for the drive-transferring members 11.

[0179] The windows 88 may also be used to indicate the completion ofactions eg. in process plant. For example, the presence of an encodeddrive-transferring member in a chosen window 88 may indicate the thelapsing of a predetermined amount of time from the completion of aprevious process, by virtue of travel of the drive-transferring members11 a predetermined distance along the constraining guides 10.

[0180] Reservoirs for receiving drive-transferring members 11 from andsupplying drive-transferring members 11 to the constraining guides 10may be operatively connected to the constraining guides 10 at suitablelocations, as desired. In the case of the vehicles of FIG. 14, thereservoirs may be located eg. under the floor of the vehicle, wherethere is conventionally a significant “dead” space.

1. A drive-transferring apparatus, comprising: a first constrainingguide defining a drive-transfer path; and a plurality ofdrive-transferring members movably captive in the constraining guide,wherein: (i) the first constraining guide includes one or more aperturespermitting engagement of one or more of the drive-transferring memberswith one or more further members in a drive-transferring, manner; and(ii) the drive-transferring members are capable of transferring drivebetween discrete parts of the constraining guide by means of compressiveinterconnection, characterised in that one or more of thedrive-transferring members includes a radio frequency identificationtransmitter, a bar code and/or another means for audibly, optically orotherwise transmitting encoding information.
 2. A drive-transferringapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first constraining guidedefines an endless loop.
 3. A drive-transferring apparatus according toclaim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first constraining guide is elongate. 4.An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the or an aperture in thefirst constraining guide is elongate and generally parallel to the axisof elongation of the first constraining guide.
 5. An apparatus accordingto claim 4 wherein the first constraining guide is a channel-sectionmember.
 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein aplurality of the drive-transferring members are substantially contiguouswith oneanother in the first constraining guide when the apparatus is atrest.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the said plurality ofdrive-transferring members form a substantially contiguous line of suchmembers in the constraining guide.
 8. An apparatus according to anypreceding claim wherein each drive-transferring member carries encodeddata.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein eachdrive-transferring member includes an optical code.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein the optical code is a bar code.
 11. Anapparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the bar code issecured on the drive-transferring member.
 12. An apparatus according toany of claims 8 to 11 wherein the constraining guide includes an openingpermitting detection of the optical code.
 13. An apparatus according toany of claims 8 to 12 wherein the drive-transferring member includes afurther member supporting the encoded data.
 14. An apparatus accordingto claim 13 wherein the further member is detachably secured to thedrive-transferring member.
 15. An apparatus according to any precedingclaim wherein each drive-transferring member is of a shape generallycomplementary to the cross-sectional shape of the first constrainingguide, whereby to facilitate movement of the drive-transferring membersin the first constraining guide.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15,wherein the drive-transferring members are generally spherical orspheroidal.
 17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim whereinone or more of the drive-transferring members is engageable, via the oran aperture in the first constraining guide, with one or more furthermembers whereby to cause motion of the further member.
 18. An apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein one or more of the drive-transferringmembers includes a detent, accessible via the or an aperture in thefirst constraining guide, for a said further member.
 19. An apparatusaccording to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the or a said further memberis a rod or hanger capable of supporting goods for transportation on theapparatus.
 20. An apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19,including a support, for one or more said further members, including amoveable member for engaging a said further member and a saiddrive-transferring member.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 20wherein the moveable member is resiliently biased towards the saidconstraining guide, whereby to engage a said further member and a saiddrive-transferring member, the apparatus including a controllable detentfor retaining the moveable member selectively to maintain mutualseparation of the moveable member and the drive-transferring member. 22.An apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the supportincludes means for supporting a plurality of said further members, andmeans for selectively engaging one or more said further members and themoveable member with one another.
 23. An apparatus according to anypreceding claim including a source of lubricant for thedrive-transferring members.
 24. An apparatus according to claim 23wherein the constraining guide includes a lubricant reservoir disposedsuch that a plurality of the drive-transferring members contactlubricant therein during motion in the first constraining guide.
 25. Anapparatus according to claim 24 wherein the lubricant reservoir lies ata lower level than the adjoining lengths of the first constrainingguide, the lubricant being a liquid in the reservoir and thedrive-transferring members passing through the reservoir descending intothe liquid lubricant from one of the said adjoining portions.
 26. Anapparatus according to any preceding claim including a drive for thedrive-transferring members.
 27. An apparatus according to claim 26wherein the drive includes a powered member capable of imparting motionto a plurality of the drive-transferring members in succession.
 28. Anapparatus according to claim 27 wherein the powered member protrudes viaan aperture in the first constraining guide to drivingly contact thedrive-transferring members.
 29. An apparatus according to claim 27 orclaim 28 wherein the powered member includes a drivingly rotatable starwheel having points engageable with the drive-transferring members. 30.An apparatus according to claim 27 or claim 28 wherein the poweredmember includes a toothed sprocket drivingly engageable with thedrive-transferring members.
 31. An apparatus according to any of claims26 to 30 including a plurality of said drives.
 32. An apparatusaccording to any preceding claim, wherein the constraining guide isbranched.
 33. An apparatus according to claim 32 including one or moremoveable barriers for controlling movement of the drive-transferringmembers at a said branch.
 34. An apparatus according to claim 33 whereinthe or a said moveable barrier includes a member secured on theconstraining guide and moveable between a first position preventingentry of the drive-transferring members into a branch of theconstraining guide; and a second position permitting entry of thedrive-transferring members into the said branch.
 35. An apparatusaccording to claim 34 wherein when occupying its second position themember prevents entry of the drive-transferring members into a secondbranch of the constraining guide.
 36. An apparatus according to any ofclaims 32 to 35 including a motor for powering operation of the moveablebarrier.
 37. An apparatus according to claim 36 including a controllerfor controlling movement of the moveable barrier.
 38. An apparatusaccording to claim 37 including a code reader and wherein thedrive-transferring members are encoded in a manner readable by the codereader, operation of the moveable barrier depending on the coding ofdrive-transferring members read by the code reader.
 39. An apparatusaccording to claim 38 wherein the code reader is a bar code reader, adetector of audible, magnetic or optical code signals, or a radiofrequency code reader.
 40. An apparatus according to any preceding claimincluding one or more sources of drive-transferring members for addingdrive-transferring members to the constraining guide.
 41. An apparatusaccording to claim 40 wherein the or a said source of drive-transferringmembers comprises a further constraining guide supporting one or moredrive-transferring members in an interior portion communicating with theinterior of said first constraining guide.
 42. An apparatus according toany preceding claim wherein the first constraining guide includes one ormore apertures permitting removal of drive-transferring members from theconstraining guide.
 43. An apparatus according to claim 42 wherein theor each aperture permitting removal of drive-transferring members iscloseable.
 44. An apparatus according to claim 43 wherein the or eachcloseable aperture lies in the path of drive-transferring members in thefirst constraining guide.
 45. An apparatus according to any of claims 42to 44 including a further constraining guide connected to the saidaperture for removal of drive-transferring members.
 46. An apparatusaccording to any of claims 43 to 45 including a receptacle fordrive-transferring members removed from the constraining guide.
 47. Anapparatus according to any preceding claim including a detector offracturing of a drive-transferring member.
 48. An apparatus according toclaim 47 wherein the detector is operatively connected to open and closea closeable aperture in the first constraining guide, thereby permittingcontrolled removal of fractured drive-transferring means from the firstconstraining guide.
 49. An apparatus according to any preceding claim,wherein at least a portion of the constraining guide is rigid.
 50. Anapparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a portionof the constraining guide is flexible.
 51. A constraining guide for anapparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising three or moreparallel rods spaced from one another and supported on one or moresupports, the pattern of the rods defining a recess for moveableretention therein of a drive-transferring member.
 52. A constrainingguide according to claim 51 including an enclosure the rods.
 53. Aconstraining guide according to claim 52 wherein the enclosure includesan aperture communicating between the interior and exterior of theconstraining guide.
 54. A constraining guide according to any of claims51 to 53 wherein the rods are flexible.
 55. A constraining guide for anapparatus according to any of claims 1 to 50, comprising an elongatetube of a first material surrounded by further elongate tube of aprotective material, the said tubes having mutually aligned, respectiveslots formed therein.
 56. A constraining guide according to claim 55wherein the material of the first, elongate tube and adrive-transferring member of the apparatus have a coefficient offriction of less than 0.5.
 57. A two or three dimensional array ofinterconnected, drive-transferring apparatuses each according to any ofclaims 1 to
 50. 58. A three dimensional array according to claim 57including a controller for controlling operation of a powered membercapable of imparting motion to a plurality of the drive-transferringmembers.
 59. A three dimensional array according to claim 58 including aplurality of switchable junctions between branched constraining guideportions, the controller controlling operation of the switchablejunctions to cause selective directing of the drive-transferring membersabout the said array.
 60. An array according to claim 59 wherein theconstraining guides including one or more inlets and/or one or moreoutlets for drive-transferring members.
 61. An array according to claim60 or any claim dependent therefrom, wherein one or more said inlets oroutlets is operatively connectable to a further constraining guide. 62.A building generally enclosing an array according to any of claims 57 to61.
 63. A building according to claim 62 wherein the array is accordingto claim 60 and one or more said inlets and/or outlets terminates at avehicle loading bay.
 64. A vehicle generally enclosing an arrayaccording to any of claims 57 to
 61. 65. A vehicle according to claim 64wherein a constraining guide portion is hingeable or otherwise moveablerelative to the remainder of the array, the constraining guide portionbeing operatively connectable to the remainder of the array.
 66. Avehicle according to claim 65 wherein the array is according to claim60, the said constraining guide portion including one or more saidinlets and/or outlets.
 67. A vehicle according to any of claims 64 to 66wherein the said constraining guide portion is secured to a hingeablymounted door of the vehicle.
 68. A vehicle according to any of claims 65to 67 including a pair of said hingeable constraining guide portions,the said pair of portions each being hingeable from a first positionsubstantially flush with the remainder of the array and a furtherposition protruding therefrom, the constraining guide portions in theirsecond positions lying opposite one another for supporting an elongatemember secured to respective drive-transferring members in therespective constraining guide portions, whereby the pair of constrainingguide portions define a hoist for the elongate member.
 69. Adrive-transferring member of an apparatus, array, building or vehicleaccording to any preceding claim.
 70. A drive-transferring memberaccording to claim 69 wherein the radio frequency identificationtransmitter or said other means is supported on an axle of thedrive-transferring member.
 71. An apparatus according to any of claims 1to 50, comprising a source of said drive-transferring members, thesource including means for releasing and/or receiving thedrive-transferring members into a said constraining guide in dependenceon the coding of the drive-transferring members.
 72. An apparatusaccording to claim 71 wherein the source includes a sub-dividedreservoir, each sub-division thereof containing one or moredrive-transferring members encoded in a predetermined manner; andselectively openable gate means for releasing drive-transferring membersfrom the sub-divisions.
 73. A conveyor comprising a plurality ofpivotably interlinked support members supported at spaced locations onrespective pairs of spaced constraining guides of an apparatus accordingto any of claims 1 to
 50. 74. A conveyor according to claim 73 whereinthe said constraining guides follow respective, generally concentric,spaced curves thereby permitting the conveyor to follow a curved path,the longer of the constraining guides in the vicinity of the pathincluding means for adding thereto and removing therefromdrive-transferring members.
 75. A conveyor according to claim 73 orclaim 74 wherein the length of each support member is adjustable.
 76. Aconveyor according to claim 75 wherein each support member comprises apair of sub-members one of which is hollow for moveably receiving theother said sub member.
 77. A conveyor according to claim 76 including aresiliently deformable member interconnecting the sub-members.
 78. Anapparatus according to any of claims 1 to 50 including a horizontalarray of the said constraining guides operatively interconnected in agrid pattern.
 79. A support comprising a base member including aplurality of engaging members secured thereon selectively projectabletherefrom for engaging a selected plurality of drive-transferringmembers in an horizontal array of an apparatus according to claim 78.80. A motor including a drive-transferring apparatus according to any ofclaims 1 to 50 and extending about the periphery of a rotatable member,the constraining guide of the drive-transferring apparatus beingperforated to permit engagement between the drive-transferring membersthereof and the rotatable member, thereby causing powered rotation ofthe rotatable member on moving of the drive-transferring members.
 81. Amotor according to claim 80 comprising a plurality of saiddrive-transferring apparatuses extending about the periphery of therotatable member.
 82. A motor according to claim 81 including one ormore brake members acting via perforations in the respectiveconstraining guides on drive-transferring members in thedrive-transferring apparatuses, thereby varying the speed of therotatable member.
 83. A drive-transferring member for use in anapparatus according to any of claims 1 to 50, the drive-transferringmember including one or more members shaped for rolling motion in a saidconstraining guide, characterised by the inclusion of a radio frequencyidentification transmitter, a bar code and/or another means for audiblyoptically or otherwise transmitting encoding information.
 84. Adrive-transferring member according to claim 83 including a pair ofrollers secured on a common shaft protruding on either side of a supportmember, whereby the rollers are rotatable relative to the support membersuch that on movement of the drive-transferring member in a saidconstraining guide the rollers rotatingly engage the constraining guideand the support member occupies a substantially constant orientation.85. A drive-transferring member according to claim 83 or claim 84,including a portion for protruding via an aperture in a saidconstraining guide.
 86. A drive-transferring member according to claim84 wherein the said portion carries encoded data.
 87. Adrive-transferring member according to claim 85 or claim 86 wherein thesaid portion includes a detachably secured part.
 88. Adrive-transferring member according to any of claims 85 to 87 whereinthe said portion includes means for supporting a further member.
 89. Amethod of transferring drive comprising imparting motion to one or moreof a plurality of drive-transferring members, one or more of whichincludes a radio frequency identification transmitter, a bar code and/oranother means for audibly, optically or otherwise transmitting encodinginformation, loosely captive in a constraining guide, whereby to causecompressive interconnection of a plurality of said drive-transferringmembers and thereby transfer drive in the constraining guide.
 90. Avehicle according to any of claims 64 to 68 for supporting a pluralityof load supports on the array, the array including at least one regioninto which load supports are selectively moveable to permit shunting ofthe load supports on the array.
 91. A vehicle according to claim 90wherein a said region is within the vehicle.
 92. A vehicle according toclaim 90 or claim 91 wherein a said region is external of the vehicle.93. A vehicle according to any of claims 90 to 92 including a saidregion moveable between a retracted position relative to the vehicle andan operative position external of the vehicle.
 94. A vehicle accordingto claim 92 or claim 93 including one or more supports for the saidregion of the array.
 95. A vehicle according to claims 65 and 94 whereinthe said constraining guide portion includes the said region.